Best Places to Visit in US Virgin Islands in December

Last updated January 15, 2025

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Boasting the most stunning beaches globally, it’s clear why the US Virgin Islands attracts over 2 million tourists annually.

Its transparent waters and palm-fringed beaches bring in both newcomers and experienced islanders.

Keep reading to discover the best places to visit in US Virgin Islands in December!

Coral World

This aquarium is a highly visited attraction in St. Thomas, featuring both indoor and outdoor sections, which is home to small sharks, starfish, and stingrays.

Situated on St. Thomas's northeast shore, adjacent to Coki Beach, this beautiful place features an underwater observatory offshore and an aviary, allowing visitors to see marine life fifteen feet beneath the surface of the water.

There are intimate experiences with marine creatures including sharks, dolphins, and sea lions offered for an extra fee.

You can also find many other activities to enhance your experience and make it even more memorable.

Guided tours will help reveal everything in the attraction to you.

Estate Whim Plantation

This museum documents the experiences of those who resided and labored on this 18th-century plantation.

It is the sole sugar plantation museum located in the US Virgin Islands.

In 2017, several structures on the premises suffered significant damage from hurricanes.

Although a few of those structures are under repair, you may explore the plantation's grounds.

Phantasea Botanical Garden

Covering nearly 2 acres, this vibrant landscape of the botanical garden is something that every nature enthusiast will admire.

The gardens were being constructed for almost twenty years prior to their public opening in 2015.

There you can observe different varieties of tropical ginger, flowering orchids, succulents, cacti, agave, and much more.

This garden aims to showcase these species to educate people about these lovely plants and the way to properly take care of them.

Maho Bay

Located on St. John's northern side, this beach is among the top spots for snorkeling if you wish to see sea turtles.

It's a popular spot for visitors and the beach boasts clear waters, white sand, and two beautiful reefs located on the western and eastern edges of Maho Bay.

There, you will enjoy excellent snorkeling along with the beach's chair rentals, food vendors, and additional luxuries.

Visitors like the calm waves and slight depth compared to that of other beaches.

Paradise Point

A spectacular view of St Thomas's harbor is waiting for you at Paradise Point, a lookout that features on-site gift stores and restaurants.

On a sunny day, you can view Puerto Rico and also St. Croix.

You can ride a gondola to arrive at this elevated spot, and they claim it will transport you in under 10 minutes.

The journey to the summit is beautiful with stunning views, though there may not be much you can do during the peak other than enjoy a snack or drink.

With their stairs, you can ascend to reach the Skyride.

Sandy Point

This is one of the best places to visit in the US in December.

It’s a beach located at St. Croix's southwestern end that mainly functions as a natural sanctuary for sea turtles.

In case you’ve watched "The Shawshank Redemption", the beach will seem recognizable.

The last scene was shot directly on the beach at Sandy Point, although in the film, it was portrayed as Mexico.

Throughout the day, visitors can relax on the light-colored sand or swim in their shallow waters.

You could also see some turtles laying their eggs along the 2 miles stretch of Sandy Point.

Coki Beach

If you're eager to actually swim among fish, Coki Beach is the place to be.

At certain times of the year, sargassum or seaweed can occasionally appear along its shore in substantial clumps.

It doesn't hurt or lead to rashes; nonetheless, small organisms residing in it could irritate the skin.

However, for sunbathing, opt for a quieter beach along St. Thomas's southern coast or Magens Bay.

Buck Island

Situated roughly 1.5 miles from the St. Croix shoreline, this is the prime destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.

This island is surrounded by the barrier reef teeming with elkhorn coral and tropical fish.

On land, there's a sub-tropical hardwood forest and several paths meander across the island, ideal for a walk or hike after snorkeling.

Also, on the island, you'll find vault toilets and picnic tables, though remember to bring your own drinks.

Annaberg Plantation

Though the plantation is somewhat dilapidated, certain areas have been refurbished.

This plantation mainly generated sugar in 1780, although it also produced molasses and rum.

It serves as a remembrance of Danish's colonial period in the history of the Virgin Islands; an era when this sugar industry thrived and countless Africans were compelled to labor in difficult conditions.

Now, Annaberg offers visitors the chance to discover more on the plantation's involvement in the slave trade and how it manufactured its products.

You will have the chance to view the residences of the enslaved individuals and their places of labor.

Fort Christiansvaern

This is one of the best places to visit in December.

This lemon-hued place is a meticulously maintained fortress situated by the waterfront with views of St. Croix Gallows Bay.

Built in the 1700s, it is among the Danish forts’ best preserved still standing in West Indies.

Among its highlighted exhibits is "Pieces of the Past".

This is located in the gallery at the second floor, showcasing prehistoric documents and artifacts that illuminate the lives of St. Croix's first settlers.

There is also a shop situated in the historic Scale House. There you can purchase souvenirs like books and postcards.

Magens Bay

No St. Thomas beach or the whole Virgin Islands is as renowned as that of Magens Bay.

This beach on the north coast might very well stand as the most scenic and swimmable shoreline in the US Virgin Islands.

Its positive reinforcement years have resulted in its strong popularity among visitors who are eager to settle the entrance fee to experience Magens' allure.

Also, past visitors to the beach have only good things to express about it.

With its clear waters, white sands, and stunning vistas, you will find hardly anything to criticize.

You will also enjoy the beach's natural beauty with its nice lounge chairs and umbrellas.

Fort Frederik

Construction of Fort Frederik commenced in 1752 and was completed in 1760.

The place was initially constructed to protect Denmark's interests in the Caribbeans from foreign nations and to establish a strong base in the region to safeguard the US Virgin Islands against piracy.

Also, this fortress is recognized as the location of a significant occurrence.

Around 8000 enslaved individuals marched through Frederiksted's streets to this place to seek their liberty during the 1848 Emancipation Revolt.

Water Island

This is among the finest kept secrets of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Discovering everything Water Island provides is nearly unfeasible without the golf cart since taxis are absent and car usage is restricted on this island.

Also, the quaint, primarily residential island can only be reached by ferry and features hidden beaches and picturesque vistas.

Main Street

If you're passionate about shopping until you can’t anymore, Main Street offers some of the finest shopping in the Caribbean.

It’s always bustling with tourists just off the cruise ship.

Even Charlotte Amalie's vicinity is congested with taxis attempting to drop tourists as near to the stores as they can.

Brilliant diamonds, fashionable attire, glimmering gadgets, and strong spirits flow from Main Street, Charlotte Amalie.

Also, as you've seen online and probably heard from pals, everything there is duty-free.

Virgin Islands National Park

If you find yourself in St. John when having a Virgin Islands getaway, you’re probably very close to this National Park.

It covers the island two-thirds, and many of the main attractions of Love City, including Trunk Bay and Annaberg Plantation, are located within this area.

And there are various methods to appreciate this equatorial paradise.

Families and travelers can choose from 20 hiking trails.

Then, activities on the water encompass snorkeling, fishing, and boating (permits must be obtained to fish certain species).

Cinnamon Bay

In 2017, following significant destruction from Hurricane Irma, Cinnamon Bay and its campsites resumed operations in 2022.

This resort provides fifty eco-tents (structures elevated on platforms) equipped with deck chairs, picnic tables, queen beds, and electrical outlets.

The resort provides a direct entrance to Cinnamon’s Bay Beach.

Also, there are many available rentals on-site, such as snorkels, beach chairs, and kayaks.

Havensight Mall

This is a lively cruise terminal and a popular destination for shoppers and food enthusiasts.

The region includes numerous significant local and national stores like Little Switzerland and Diamonds International, and all transactions there are exempt from duties.

Also, you are permitted a duty-free allowance of $1,600 for items bought in the Virgin Islands.

Trunk Bay

Surrounded by the National Park in the Virgin Islands, Trunk Bay retains its ethereal tranquility even with the continuous flow of visitors.

For some, it represents the ultimate destination for beaches.

Note that rather than driving to this beach, take an open-air taxi and have them drop you at the entry.

It will be challenging to discover another Caribbean bay with water as aquamarine or sand as pearly as Trunk Bay's.